Cape Town: Unlike last year there hasn't been too much controversy yet in the IPL. But is one brewing? After the first few games, the decision to take a tactical 'time-out' after every 10 overs is becoming the subject of an intense debate.
Karan Goel was going great guns for the Kings XI Punjab, creaming the Delhi Daredevils for fours and sixes. At the half stage of their 12-over contest, Kings XI were going at 11 runs an over.
But instead of building the momentum, Kings XI were forced into the dugout, only to return seven and a half minutes later and face the canny Daniel Vettori, and could only manage 37 in their last six overs.
"The break after seven overs didn't help us," Kings XI skipper Yuvraj Singh said. "We had a good momentum going but lost a few wickets in return and the match turned."
In fact, the 'strategy break' played in role in the very first game between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Chasing 166, Chennai had Matthew Hayden showing sparks of his best form when the break came.
When the teams returned, Hayden fell and Chennai were unable to get past the finishing line.
"Both the breaks helped us," Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar said. "With the first break we got some time to plan our strategy for the next half. During the second break we were starting to get back in the game and getting control of the game. It really helped, but if you're going great guns then you wouldn't want to stop there."
Murmurs so far suggest that the players and coaches have given the break a thumbs down. It does allow the broadcaster to fill in more commercial time, and so is unlikely to be discontinued.
"I can understand what the breaks are for," says Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne. "It pays a few bills. But as far as cricket is concerned, it's not ideal. But the IPL is innovative in everything it does, so it's worth a try this year. Whether it hangs around and stays for next year, who knows?"
For the teams this 'time-out' could very well be an opportunity that, if utilised wisely, could change the course of the game. But as is the case with this format what is required is quick thinking and adapting to the need of the hour.
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